<p>I don’t dispute that his qualifications are, at first glance, certainly not up to the standards of Yale. But I would certainly guess that there is more to be seen. What I <em>am</em> disputing is your argument that he should be denied entry to Yale because of his purported beliefs.</p>
<p>So what, if he has “bigotted and offensive speech”? It’s offensive to you, obviously. What Ann Coulter says is offensive to me and to millions of Americans, and yet she has her time on TV. Fox News is allowed to spread their lies. And obviously a many of us disagree with your assertions. Yet you still have the right to say them. </p>
<p>I will point you back to the idea of academic freedom - the notion that the free exchange and honest appraisal ideas brings about the greatest improvement for a society. Perhaps he was admitted because he carries a different world-view? I think that, by most standards, he has a unique experience - especially when compared to Americans. And just because he was the mouthpiece of the Taliban does not mean he agrees with what they say. Tony Snow, spokesman for the Bush administration, publicly disagreed with several of the president’s policies. Yet now he must convey them in a positive light, regardless of his personal opinions. I am sure the rebuttal here will be “but the Taliban guy is different.” Well, no, he isn’t. And unless anybody on this board has evidence to the contrary, we cannot assume that he believed every word he spoke (especially when you consider what the penalty would be if he didn’t spread their propaganda). And even if he is, what do I care? There are a lot of racists in this country. Historically, Yale has had more than its fair share. And I’m sure they still do. But it is the right of every American to believe as they wish, ignorant or not. Education tries to rectify that, and so, without it, how can you ever expect to move beyond these archaic notions?</p>